Black Ashes

by Noel Scanton

In a story set against the backdrop of mysterious India, Bob Roberts and his family are tormented by the malevolent force that possesses Bank House and find themselves in a deadly struggle for their sanity and survival.

Genres: Horror

Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Bandit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tis the month to read scary stories, this one sorta kinda fit the bill, a slow burning atmospheric tale of things goings off the rails for a well to do family of a British banker in India. Their luxurious accommodations appear to be haunted and there's an evil cult. And, of course, the always uncomfortable general ambiance of not fitting in in a distinctly foreign land. This book is probably something like 3 decades old and the descriptions of India come across in a very much colonial, patronizing vein. Then again, the descriptions here are the best part of the book (because it's certainly not the characters) and frankly aren't that wildly off either, the dirt, the poverty, the climate, the juxtaposition of the supposed spiritual utopia for the young and the actual desperate conditions as perceived by the rest...it all works well to create a sort of subtly evil sort of mood. Other than that it's a very much middle of the road obscure relatively quick sort of read that Endeavor Press seems to specialize in.

[Mrs Susan J Bociek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unnerving

What starts out as a bit of an adventure soon becomes a nightmare as Paul, Dierdre and Monica start a new chapter of their lives in India. Unseen forces are at work while Monica tries to find new friends, Paul sorts out the problems at the bank left by his predecessor and Dierdre barely hangs on to her sanity. Religion, mysticism, spirits and drugs......all very scary.

[Aparna J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Overall, a highly enjoyable book. The author has done excellent research on Indian culture and penned an excellent story that keeps you glued until the end.
Brilliant combination of supernatural elements with thrill.

[Tootie Houston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh

The book sounded better than it was. It was interesting to see the interactions between white people and the. Indians.